Pet rat. ratproofing the room?

Question

I've been here with multiple questions about rats and done months of research and my grandmother has still not let me get a rat. I've only talked to her three times about it because she changes the subject whenever I'm winning! But i'm not giving in so i'm here with a few more questions.

NUMBER ONE: How do I ratproof my room?

I'm moving out of my current room either into my basement [its been made into another room] Or a room on my floor which is faily large.

NUMBER TWO: How do I socialize the rats with my cockatiel, and budgie?

NUMBER THREE: I'm getting two rats because it's selfish to get one and deprive them from their own kind even if you are an exceptional owner. But will they bond to eachother and not like me?

LAST QUESTION: I don't want to buy them from a petstore or breeder because there are so many nice rats that need to home at the humane society. If they aren't hand raised [is it the same term for rats?] can i still get them to trust me and not bite?

Answer 1

1.Make sure there is no electrical cords, small holes in the furniture and/or walls. Anything which a rat(s) can crawl under and you won't be able to get out, plants.  I would also recommend putting a sheet on the floor if you have a carpet because rats tend to pee and poo.

2. I wouldn't really recommend doing that but it is possible. Give them time to Aguste to each others smells and scents and supervise them at all times when they are together.

3. No they will like you too. Don't worry lol!

4. Of course, rats can become tame with time and care.

Answer 2

1) Of course it goes without saying that you need to keep all electrical cords out of their reach, but there are other concerns too. Make sure that there are not holes in walls or doors that they can get through - rats can squeeze through even small holes. Also, make sure you keep your clothes off the floor! I have several pairs of jeans that have been chewed up! Mine have also chewed up homework assignments. O.o

2) Rats are very easy to socialize. I had a roommate with a pet cockatiel, and they were not bothered by it at all (the bird was a little less friendly. . .) Mine have also played with ferrets and even cats. Just make sure you keep the closely supervised when they are playing with other animals, and start of cautiously.

3) It's a really good idea to get more than one rat at a time. I have 2, and they both love me as much as they love each other. Having more than one gives them companionship when you're not around.

4) All of my rats have been purchased through a breeder (they were feeder rats), so I'm not sure how they will react. I do know that rats tend to adapt well though. It might take time to get them adjusted, but with a little work they should start to trust you. I've owned many rats, and I've only been bitten once when I sat on him. :( They usually won't bite unless they feel threatened. When you handle them, make sure you use slow movements and avoid loud noises, and until they are comfortable let them come to you.

Answer 3

1. Just hang up all the wires and cords so they aren't in reach of rats, and put anything breakable or valuable onto a higher shelf etc.

2. I don't see any reason your rats have to be in contact with any of your birds, they'll be living in seperate cages, and someone's bound to get hurt if you let them play together.

3. They will bond BETTER with you when they're living in groups, it's like..say, a mother not letting her kid play with other children so he loves her more. A social rat, is a happy rat. A happy rat, is generally a friendly rat :)

4. Yes, definately. It takes alot more time, effort and patience though. My first pair of rats were rescues, and with time, they became two friendly squishies :D Take it slow, and don't force them into anything.